Cleveland Indians: Fantasy Baseball Team Preview 2008

Complete fantasy preview guide for the Cleveland Indians in 2008. Get key information on projected starters, fantasy gems and duds, as well as potential sleepers and breakout players.

Projected Starters
C - Victor Martinez
1b - Ryan Garko
2b - Asdrubal Cabrera
3b - Casey Blake
SS - Jhonny Peralta
LF - Jason Michaels
CF - Grady Sizemore
RF - Franklin Gutierrez
DH - Travis Hafner

SP - CC Sabathia
SP - Fausto Carmona
SP - Cliff Lee
SP - Jeremy Sowers
SP - Aaron Laffey
RP - Joe Borowski
RP - Rafael Betancourt
RP - Rafael Perez
RP - Masahide Kobayashi

Top Reserves and Backups
Josh Barfield - 2b
Andy Marte - 3b
Ben Francisco - of
Shin-Soo Choo - of
Kelly Shoppach - c
Jake Westbrook - sp
Adam Miller - sp
Paul Byrd - sp
Jensen Lewis - rp

Fantasy GEMS
To say it lightly, Cleveland is pretty much loaded with great fantasy options for 2008. Starting pitcher CC Sabathia turned into the premiere ace that was expected of him, outfielder Grady Sizemore is a gold glover with power and speed, catcher Victor Martinez is the best fantasy option available at his position, and first baseman Travis Hafner is the run producer of the entire Indians offense. Each player listed here is a sure bet gem on any fantasy team. Of these three, Hafner has the best potential to improve upon his 2007 numbers. Something in the range of 40 homeruns, 120 rbi, 100 runs, and a .300 batting average should in store for Hafner in 2008.

Fantasy DUDS
First off all there should be no doubt that the Indians will win a bunch of games in 2008, however one thing that is in doubt is who the closer will be. After a shaky but 'get the job done' approach in 2007, anticipating Joe Borowski to go another season with a 5.00 plus ERA and still maintain the closers role is unlikely. So for fantasy managers looking at closers, Borowski and his 45 saves in 2007 should not be considered top flight.